Three Step Education

Pilates Teacher Certification Course

Step 1: Basic Pilates

Meet the founders

Co-founders, Ella Park, a physical education teacher (ROK) and former pro athlete, and Tracy Lee, a certified Pilates instructor with over 10 years of experience. Both discovered the power of Pilates through their own recovery journeys—Ella after multiple surgeries, and Tracy after overcoming chronic shoulder and back pain. Together, they created a science-based, movement-driven approach to Pilates education that empowers instructors and clients to move with purpose and precision.

  • Applicants must meet one of the following criteria:

    • Completion of Three Step Anatomy Level 1 with:

      • Emerging (60%+)

      • Developing (70%+)

      • Competent (80%+)

    • Master of Physical Therapy

    • Bachelor of Kinesiology

    • Other licensed healthcare professionals with comprehensive anatomical knowledge:

      • Registered Acupuncturists

      • Massage Therapists

      • Doctors of Chiropractic

      • Pilates Instructors with 4+ years of experience

  • 1. Basic Pilates Attendance

    • 20 hours total

    • 100% attendance required

    2. Movement Demonstration Assessment

    • Perform 20 randomly selected exercises on test day

    • Must include: setup, sequence, purpose, and modifications

    • Evaluation scale:

      • Emerging – below 40%

      • Developing – below 60%

      • Competent – over 80%

    • Must be completed within 2 months of course completion

    3. Teaching Practice

    • 25 hours of practice

    • Teach a partner, friend, or client aware of your student status

    4. Observation Hours

    • 10 hours observing certified Pilates instructors (private or group sessions)

    5. Written Exam

    • 20 questions integrating anatomy, movement, and sequence design

    • Must score 80%+ to pass

    • Must be completed within 2 months of course completion

    💡 Total minimum training hours (excluding Anatomy): 80 hours
    💰 Final Certification Exam Fee: $280

  • Step 1: Visit www.threestepfitness.com
    Step 2: Navigate to the Instructor Course section and submit:

    1. Record Tracker

    2. Case Study Sheets

    3. Anatomy Level 1 test result (80%+), or valid license as a recognized healthcare professional

    Once your application is verified, Three Step Fitness will send you a list of available test-out locations.

    📧 Email: info@threestepfitness.com
    📞 Phone: +1 (778) 355-1238
    🌐 Website: www.threestepfitness.com

  • Pilates is a movement system developed by Joseph Pilates to manage his own chronic pain. Over time, it evolved to help New York dancers build strength, improve flexibility, and restore overall health. Although Joseph Pilates had no formal scientific training, his method was driven by real-world results and keen observation.

  • Modern Pilates uses adjustable equipment and biomechanical principles to modify movement for any individual—from injured clients to elite athletes. By adjusting angle, load, torque, and leverage, instructors can target dysfunction, build strength, and restore balance safely and effectively.

    At Three Step Fitness, we blend this movement art with anatomical science to create a Pilates education that’s not only classical—but clinically smart.